Burkina ​Faso has broken off ‌diplomatic relations with France, the government ​said on ⁠state television on Friday (June 26, 2026), widening a rupture with its former colonial ‌ruler after years of worsening ties over security, ‌sovereignty and alleged foreign ‌interference.

The ⁠West African country ⁠has been battling an Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands while ​displacing millions over ‌the past decade since it spread from neighbouring Mali.

“The essential conditions for promoting ‌relations based on mutual ​respect, reciprocal trust, respect for the principle ⁠of non-interference in internal affairs, and national sovereignty are not in ‌place,” Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo said.

Mr. Ouedraogo said the decision took effect on June 26 and followed a review of relations ‌with Paris. He accused France of ​supporting “subversive networks” and “terrorists”. France’s Ministry of foreign affairs could ⁠not be immediately reached for ⁠comment though it had previously denied accusations that ‌it backs terrorism.